Proper treatment, awareness must to deal with head lice infestation: Dr K S Prasanna

 Head Lice Infestation

Head lice infestation mainly in children is a major health issue and it causes significant distress to the affected. Apart from proper treatment, a little bit of extra care plays a major role in getting relief from lice infestation. According to Institute of Applied Dermatology (IAD) senior dermatologist Dr K S Prasanna, people of all ages, genders, races, and socioeconomic classes are affected by head lice. Children between the age of 3-11years of age have the highest incidence, with a prevalence of as high as 60 per cent. "It's the girl children who are mostly affected because of their long hair.  Exchange of comb, brush, and other hair accessories such as clips, hairband in addition to the close head-to-head contact in the school are the main reasons for the spread of lice infection from one child to another," Dr Prasanna said.

Head lice called Pediculus humanus var capitis are small, wingless insects that live on the human scalp, feeding on tiny amounts of blood. The female louse lives for 30 days, during which it lays between 5-10 eggs a day on the hair shaft. The oval egg capsule(nits) measure 0.8mm in length and are usually laid close to the scalp for warmth. The nits are cemented to individual hairs through a proteinaceous material that closely resembles the amino acid constituents of the human hair shaft itself. "Excessive scratching of head due to intense itching is the major symptom of head lice infestation. Though there are several over-the-counter medicines available in the market, it's always better to consult a dermatologist for treating it," Dr Prasanna said.  "The itching is due to the immunological reaction to the saliva and excreta of the louse. In reinfection, itching develops in 24-48 hours. Some people develop an infection with swelling on the nape of the neck. Patients also develop low-grade fever and lymphadenopathy due to secondary bacterial infection," she said. "Pediculicides treat lice infestations by paralyzing and killing the lice. Treatment is prescribed by the doctor only after evaluating the extent of infestation and secondary infection," she added.

Even manual removal of lice and eggs using combs with closely spaced teeth is also recommended during the treatment. "All the family members should be treated together. Proper disinfestation of bedsheets, combs, and other hair accessories like clips, rubber bands, beds, couches and pillows should be done to control the spread of lice," she said. Children should be made aware of the reasons that spread headlice. They should be taught to avoid head-to-head contact, and sharing items like hats, scarves, hair accessories etc.